More than 1,600 people have died and over 300,000 have been displaced since fighting reignited in July between the Houthi movement and the Saudi-led coalition, according to United Nations figures. The conflict escalated further as the Houthi military claimed drone strikes on Dammam Airport, while Saudi forces reported intercepting drones over Riyadh and launching air raids on Hodeidah.
Houthis Target Dammam Airport with Drones
The Houthi military targeted Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia’s eastern region using two drones over a 48-hour period, military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced. Saree stated that the operation disrupted air traffic at the facility. In addition, Saree claimed strikes against a Saudi early warning radar and a military transport aircraft in the kingdom’s southwest. Meanwhile, coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki posted on the platform X that Saudi forces intercepted and destroyed two drones over the capital city of Riyadh, without identifying the sender.
Hodeidah Port and Aden Military Facility Targeted
While Houthi forces targeted Saudi infrastructure, the Saudi-led coalition launched two air strikes against the strategic Red Sea port of Ras Issa in Hodeidah, according to Houthi-run media. Hodeidah serves as the largest port under Houthi control and acts as the main entry point for food supplies, humanitarian aid, and oil imports. Concurrently, coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki stated that the Saudi-led coalition launched an operation on Sunday morning to disable vital resources used by the Houthi group to support ballistic missile and drone programs. On the same day, a missile launched by the Houthi group struck an area near a government military facility used by Saudi-backed Yemeni forces in the Al-Buraiqa district of Aden, producing a loud explosion heard across residential neighborhoods, according to local residents and a security official.
Southern Saudi Arabia Air Defense Activations
Air defense sirens and warning systems activated across southern Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening following incoming projectiles from Yemen, according to the Relief and Rescue Organization of Saudi Arabia. Explosions echoed through the cities of Khamis Mushait and Abha after the Armed Forces of Yemen launched attacks toward the southern region. The Al Masirah television network reported that Khamis Mushait and Abha were targeted by missile and drone strikes. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki stated that Saudi air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched from Yemen toward the southern region, and the Relief and Rescue Organization of Saudi Arabia subsequently lifted the danger status in Abha and Khamis Mushait as normalcy returned.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Yemen Conflict Escalation
What triggered the recent escalation in the conflict?
Fighting resumed in July after a multi-year ceasefire collapsed, leading to renewed military engagements between the Houthi movement and the Saudi-led coalition.
Which facilities were reported hit or targeted in the recent exchanges?
The Houthi military claimed drone strikes on Dammam Airport and attacks on an early warning radar and a military transport aircraft in southwestern Saudi Arabia, while a missile struck near a military facility in Aden’s Al-Buraiqa district.
How has the coalition responded to the ongoing drone and missile launches?
The coalition launched air strikes against the Ras Issa port in Hodeidah and initiated operations targeting Houthi missile and drone supply networks, while intercepting projectiles over Riyadh and southern Saudi Arabia.
🔴#BREAKING: Houthis claim they attacked Dammam airport in Saudi Arabia using two drones.